Kids look up to adults, and when they see them glamorising their fingernails with nail polish, they want to experience the same exciting sensation. It sounds harmless fun to paint a toddler’s toenails and fingernails; some salons even provide pedicures and manicures for kids. Likewise, young toddlers who appreciate vivid colours or who are looking for new methods to express themselves are frequently delighted by the concept. As such, educating yourself on nail polish safety before painting your child’s nails is wise. There are ingredients in many polish brands that could influence your choice. For this reason, businesses have created kid-friendly and secure nail polish for kids. So, depending on your preferences and budget, there is a selection of kid-friendly nail polishes without hazardous chemicals.
There Are Tonnes of Toxins in Regular Nail Polishes!
That attractive nail polish container can contain a combination of potentially harmful substances. As such, some kinds of nail polish contain four main chemicals:
- Toluene exposure that is prolonged and recurrent has been linked to harm to the liver, kidneys, neurological system, and upper respiratory tract. Inhaling toluene vapours can be harmful to the nervous and respiratory systems and is known to irritate the skin. Besides, toluene exposure at low levels causes symptoms like headaches and dizziness. It has also been linked to congenital disabilities and is known to be detrimental to unborn children.
- Triphenyl phosphate (TPHP), used to produce plastics and as a fire retardant, can interfere with the endocrine system. Meanwhile, many of today’s leading nail paint brands contain TPHP.
- Many household items and building materials contain formaldehyde. Meanwhile, to control nail polish from flaking, it functions as a hardener. Long-term openness can aggravate respiratory illnesses and raise the risk of certain cancers. According to a 2015 study, exposure to formaldehyde during pregnancy is associated with spontaneous abortion, congenital disabilities, and premature birth.
- Phthalates are lubricants and aroma carriers found in nail paint and other products for personal care. They are recognised as insignificant androgen blockers and endocrine disruptors. And according to particular studies, vulnerability to phthalates during pregnancy and infancy is linked to developmental delays and allergy conditions.
Is Nail Polish Risky?
Substantial data does not support a direct correlation between the use of nail polish and cancers, respiratory illness, or other health issues. However, several researchers stress the potential harm of wearing nail paint. It’s also important to remember that toddlers frequently put their hands (and feet) in their mouths, and it isn’t much you can do to prevent this from happening. So, some parents might avoid putting chemical nail polish on toddlers due to the possibility of ingestion. Even nail paints with the “nontoxic” label may have toxic components. So the solution is to use safer kid-friendly paints and apply them at home to shield your children from nail polish fumes and chemicals. Also, avoid nail salons that have inadequate ventilation.
The major problem with applying nail polish on babies is that they’ll be subjected to potentially harmful chemicals designed for adults. As such, the safest nail paints for children to use are those with water-based ingredients. Every child is different when a child decides to stop placing their fingernails in their mouth. Fortunately, many manufacturers create nail polish for kids. Meanwhile, finding those among all the widely available brands can take time and effort. However, you can conduct research and get them online if you want secure options for your children’s nail paints.
